Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel after speaking to the injured pilot about the cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Speaking to Machchhar on Saturday, 3rd October, Netanyahu praised him for his courage and said he wanted the Indian pilot and PM Modi to light a ceremonial torch during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations next year.
“You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world,” Netanyahu told Machchhar. He then extended the invitation, saying, “I invite captain Smit and Prime Minister Modi that are great friends, I would like them to bear a celebratory flame. It’s our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day.”
Netanyahu also asked Machchhar to explain how the attack began and what happened inside the cockpit before passengers and crew members intervened.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar: "You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister @NarendraModi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day." 🇮🇱🇮🇳 During the emotional conversation that took place this evening, the Prime Minister asked Captain Machchhar how it all started, and Machchhar revealed new details about the terrifying moments in the cockpit.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 3, 2026
Machchhar told Netanyahu that the incident began when the co-pilot asked for some time to pray. He said the request did not appear unusual to him and that he respected the co-pilot’s request.
The Indian pilot said he was looking towards the front of the aircraft and was not watching the co-pilot behind him. A few minutes later, he was suddenly hit on the back of his head. “A lot of locals, they do pray, which is not out of the ordinary. While he was praying, out of respect, I was just looking at the front and not at the back. Suddenly, after I think I would say about four to five minutes, there was a big blow to the back of my head,” Machchhar recalled.
He initially thought there had been some serious problem with the aircraft. However, as the blows continued, he realised that he was being attacked by the person inside the cockpit.
‘If I don’t do it, I’m going to die’
Machchhar then realised he needed to open the cockpit door so people outside could enter and help him. He managed to open the door once, but the attacker closed it again.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar said he knew he had to make another attempt. He described the moment as his final effort to survive and protect the passengers on board. “I had that one last fight left in me that, if I don’t do it, I’m going to die. And that’s when I pushed against everything. I gave everything that I had and just went for the door and opened it… and the rest is what you know, sir,” he told Netanyahu.
Once the cockpit door was opened, people outside were able to enter and help overpower the attacker. The aircraft was later diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
During the conversation, Netanyahu thanked Machchhar for his actions and praised the way he handled the situation despite being seriously injured. “Frankly, I’m amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions. You were exceedingly brave. You saved so many lives,” Netanyahu said.
PM Modi and Captain Machchhar to light torch in Israel
Netanyahu’s invitation would see Modi and Machchhar take part in Israel’s annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
The ceremony traditionally marks the beginning of Israel’s Independence Day celebrations after Memorial Day. It has been held since 1950, with selected individuals lighting ceremonial torches in recognition of their contributions to Israeli society. Netanyahu noted that the honour is generally associated with Israeli citizens, but said he wanted Machchhar to participate because of his actions during the Flydubai flight.
The incident unfolded on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying Israeli passengers, when an extreme security threat emerged inside the cockpit. His co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, suddenly launched a violent knife attack against him and tried to seize control of the aircraft with the clear intention of crashing it. Despite being critically wounded and bleeding heavily, Captain Machchhar displayed extraordinary courage and presence of mind. Refusing to let the situation spiral into a complete catastrophe, he triggered an emergency alert and made the life-saving decision to unlock and open the cockpit door
